Canadian Citizenship Applicants Asked to Provide More Proof

Introduction

Canada is taking a closer look at some citizenship-by-descent applications, even after Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) approved them. As a result, IRCC is now asking some new citizens to provide additional proof to support their citizenship claims.

Why Is This Happening?

Recently, Canada expanded its citizenship-by-descent rules, allowing more people with Canadian ancestry to apply for citizenship.

Consequently, IRCC received a significant increase in applications. During later reviews, immigration officers discovered that some approved applications lacked sufficient official documentation. Therefore, IRCC reopened certain files and started reviewing them again.

What Are Applicants Receiving?

On June 13, several applicants in the United States received emails from IRCC informing them that officials had placed their citizenship files under review.

Many of these individuals had already received Canadian citizenship certificates. Some had even obtained Canadian passports and Social Insurance Numbers because they planned to move to Canada soon.

However, IRCC now wants to re-examine their applications.

What Does “Under Review” Mean?

Importantly, an application review does not automatically mean that a person has lost Canadian citizenship.

Instead, IRCC is reviewing the supporting documents and verifying the applicant’s eligibility. During this process, officials may ask applicants to return their citizenship certificates temporarily.

At the same time, IRCC allows applicants to submit additional documents and evidence to strengthen their cases.

If applicants provide satisfactory proof, IRCC will return the citizenship certificates and confirm their status.

Why Did IRCC Flag These Applications?

According to IRCC, officers identified two common issues in many of the reviewed applications.

1. Applicants Did Not Use Official Source Documents

Some applicants relied on records from genealogy websites such as Ancestry or FamilySearch instead of obtaining documents directly from government authorities.

For example, applicants should obtain:

• Birth certificates from Vital Statistics Offices.
• Marriage certificates from official registries.
• Historical records from recognized government archives.

Although genealogy websites can help locate records, IRCC prefers documents that come directly from official sources.

2. Applicants Did Not Explain Missing Records

Some applicants could not obtain certain documents but failed to explain why those records were unavailable.

As a result, IRCC could not verify the complete family connection between the Canadian ancestor and the applicant.

What Is IRCC’s Main Concern?

Simply put, IRCC wants applicants to prove an unbroken family line from a Canadian citizen to themselves.

Even when applicants genuinely qualify for citizenship, they must support every generation in their family history with proper documentation.

Without enough evidence, IRCC may question the application and request additional proof.

Common Issues Found in Reviewed Applications

Many applicants who received review letters shared similar situations.

For example, some applicants:

• Used genealogy website printouts as their primary evidence.
• Submitted archival records without confirming whether IRCC accepts them as official documents.
• Missed important birth, marriage, or death records.
• Failed to explain gaps in family history records.
• Did not provide proof that they attempted to obtain unavailable documents.

What Should You Do If You Receive a Review Letter?

First, do not panic.

Instead, carefully read the letter and identify the concerns raised by IRCC. Then, gather additional evidence to address those concerns.

You should:

• Obtain official records directly from government authorities.
• Submit certified copies whenever possible.
• Provide written explanations for missing documents.
• Include proof of your efforts to obtain unavailable records.
• Keep copies of all documents you submit.

Additionally, many applicants seek professional guidance from immigration lawyers who understand citizenship-by-descent requirements and documentation standards.

How Can You Strengthen a Citizenship-by-Descent Application?

Get Documents Directly From the Source

Always obtain records from the authority that originally created and maintains them.

Examples include:

• Vital Statistics Offices
• Civil Registries
• Provincial Archives
• Government Record Offices

In contrast, applicants should use genealogy websites only as research tools, not as primary proof.

Connect Every Generation

Applicants should provide documents that clearly connect one generation to the next.

These documents often include:

• Birth certificates
• Marriage certificates
• Name-change documents
• Adoption records

Even a single missing link can delay an application or trigger additional scrutiny.

Use Certified Copies

Certified copies contain official seals or stamps that confirm their authenticity.

Although obtaining certified records may take extra time, IRCC generally considers them stronger evidence.

What If the Required Records Do Not Exist?

Fortunately, missing records do not automatically prevent approval.

However, applicants must explain the situation properly and provide alternative evidence.

Request a “No Record” Letter

If an authority cannot locate a record, ask for a formal “No Record” Letter.

This document confirms that the authority searched its records but could not find the requested document.

Provide Alternative Evidence

Applicants can support their cases with:

• Church records
• Census records
• Historical records
• Family records
• Other official documents

These records can help establish family relationships when primary documents are unavailable.

Include a Letter of Explanation

Finally, applicants should submit a clear explanation that describes:

• Which records are missing.
• Why they cannot obtain them.
• What efforts they made to locate them.
• Which alternative documents they are providing.

Key Takeaway

Canada is not automatically taking citizenship away from these applicants. Instead, IRCC is asking them to provide stronger proof of their citizenship-by-descent claims.

Applicants can strengthen their cases by obtaining official source documents, submitting certified records, explaining missing documents, and providing evidence of their efforts to locate unavailable records. With proper documentation, many applicants can successfully address IRCC’s concerns and maintain their Canadian citizenship status.

Get in touch with SPS Global

Receive advice on any of your questions regarding immigration. Get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Global. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).